Check Medical History Before Conception

The Doctor is In

May 03, 2000

Q: I'm thinking about getting pregnant soon and heard about some tests I should have, like checking my immunity to different diseases and maybe other things. I was wondering exactly what I should do. - Kate O., York County

A: At your annual exam, you should review your menstrual history, past medical history and immunizations. Irregular menstrual cycles may prompt screening for thyroid disease. Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension require excellent medical control prior to pregnancy in order to prevent complications. If your background is Eastern European, Jewish, French, Canadian, Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, Indian, Pakistani or African, you may be screened for carrying certain inherited diseases.

Ideally, all women of childbearing age in the United States should be immune to measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and polio. Tetanus boosters are recommended every 10 years and may be given safely in pregnancy. People usually gain immunity to rubella (German measles) through a vaccine or prior infection. If there is a question of immunity, a blood test can determine whether vaccination is needed prior to attempting pregnancy. Specific immunizations such as hepatitis B are given to women in high-risk groups, such as health-care workers.

Intake of folic acid before conception appears to lower the risk of brain and spinal-cord defects. Use of tobacco and illicit drugs should be curtailed, and alcohol use should be limited prior to pregnancy and eliminated once pregnancy is diagnosed. - Dr. Beth Scharlop, OB/GYN, Womancare of Williamsburg

If you have a question about your health, call the Daily Press 1-Line at 928-1111, Category 1270, or send an e-mail to afreehling@dailypress.com. Please leave your name or initials, the city where you live and a phone number in case we need to reach you for more information. Questions and answers will run each Wednesday in Healthy Life.